Reptile dysfunction? South American crocodile found lounging in Michigan front yard

HAMPTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A South American crocodile was found thousands of miles from its normal habitat in Bay County.

The reptile was discovered Tuesday, Sept. 23, in Hampton Township, a suburb of Bay City.

According to authorities, the Hampton Township Public Safety Department received a call regarding a possible alligator sighting in someone’s front yard. First responders said they found a young three-foot-long American Crocodile relaxing under an apple tree.

The American Crocodile is an endangered species that can grow up to 16 feet long. It is native to South America, Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico and southern Florida. How the reptile ended up off Saginaw Bay remains unknown.

The crocodile was safely taken to the Birch Run Zoo, which will now care for the neotropical animal.